Movin Out to be set for the 2025 Australasian Oaks

Chris Waller may have found his next top-level contender in Movin Out, who signaled her class with an emphatic victory in the Mornington Guineas (1600m) and now sets sights on the Australasian Oaks (2000m).

The New Zealand-bred filly, who was making her first appearance in Melbourne, justified her favouritism with a 2-½ length win under jockey Ben Melham. Storm Season and Fear No Evil filled the placings in a race dominated by the Waller-trained runner.

Having made two earlier appearances in Sydney since arriving from New Zealand, Movin Out appears to be peaking at the right time as she prepares for a tilt at Group 1 glory.

Lizzie Collett, representing Waller’s Melbourne team, was pleased with how the filly handled her new surroundings.

“She’s a quirky character and everyone in the Melbourne stable and Sydney stable would agree with that,” Collett said.

“She did everything right today. She settled, she relaxed, she was quiet and settled in the mounting yard, so I was very happy with her.

“The plan is hopefully to go to the Oaks next week in Adelaide.

“We’ll give her a quiet week. Treat her quietly, take her to the beach a couple of times, let her rest and recover, and then hopefully she travels up on Thursday night.”

Waller previously won the Australasian Oaks with Egg Tart in 2017, and he’ll be hoping Movin Out can follow in her footsteps. Her most recent start before Saturday was a solid run in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes, where she stretched out to 2000m.

Melham, who partnered her to Saturday’s victory, is optimistic about her chances in Adelaide.

“Even though she was a bit more switched on today, she was shying at everything going to the barrier and after the race,” he said.

“She’s still got a bit of a baby brain, but she gives you a great feel and hopefully she can stretch out in distance and if she can, she will be a serious horse.”